Swamp Secrets: Tuesday PM intel from Florida Gators’ jam-packed official visit weekend

Intel is still coming in from the Gators’ jam-packed official visit weekend. An eye-popping 17 prospects, with the majority of them being priority targets, spent multiple days in Gainesville starting last Friday.

Here are the latest notes on several targets after connecting with Gators Online sources.

The Gators really moved the needle with Kris Jones. I’m told optimism is definitely high following the official visit and that the Gators have done the best job to this point. I agree with that for sure. Now, it’s about holding on with Georgia receiving an OV on June 16. Michigan State will receive an unofficial visit, but Florida and Georgia are definitely the top two. The Gators are the program Jones has the best relationship with and that is extremely important down the stretch.

When it comes to Georgia, it’s really centered on linebacker commit Demarcus Riddick. There have been plenty of whispers regarding the status of his commitment with in-state suitors Alabama and Auburn making a strong push right now. If he does head elsewhere, which has been expected for quite some time, Jones would be one of three linebackers at the top of UGA’s board.

Also, on Saturday, I submitted an On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine pick for the Gators to land Jones. Based off recent intel, I am still very confident in that pick roughly 72 hours later. They have to hold on and get through June 18 though.

Another prospect with UF optimism surrounding them is top-100 defensive lineman LJ McCray. The Gators are courting him for multiple positions and that has his full attention. He felt like a major priority throughout the weekend and has strong belief in the culture being instilled by Napier.

Of all the schools under strong consideration, Florida is the school closest to McCray’s home. The Gators will lean on that throughout the fall in hopes of having McCray in attendance for several home games. Other than Florida State, each of the schools receiving an official visit are playing host in June. The Seminoles are on the calendar on Oct. 7, which is the weekend of the Virginia Tech game. That could end up paying off for the Seminoles, as McCray is in no rush to make a decision. It’s also the school I believed had the slight advantage over UF for months. He plans to evaluate all of his options and then decide closer to the Early Signing Period.

Auburn, Miami and Georgia are some additional schools in the mix for McCray; however, intel suggests the in-state schools are positioned much better right now. I’m hearing the Gators are definitely pleased with where they stand after setting the bar last weekend. I previously submitted a prediction for UF to land McCray’s teammate as well. That prospect is top-100 DB Zay Mincey, so landing him would also help with McCray. The Gators did an “amazing job” this past weekend and likely have the slight advantage right now. This one is really just getting started though.

The last prospect I will touch on is four-star defensive lineman D’antre Robinson. The Orlando native is going to take his visits, especially throughout June, but I like where the Gators are positioned over the long haul. I know many were concerned when he rated his UF visit an “8” on a 1-10 scale, but a source close to his camp believes UF is in the best spot and will likely be difficult to beat out once the dust settles and it’s time to make a decision. There is a lot of comfort and familiarity with the lifelong favorite Gators.

Georgia, Texas and Ohio State are official visit destinations this month as well, but I am told proximity is something to keep in mind over the long haul. The Gators are in a great spot here.

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